MAMMEE BAY, St Ann — April 7, 2026
Advocates for unrestricted access to Jamaica’s beaches are calling their latest demonstration a success after staging a high-visibility protest over the weekend.
The Jamaica Beach Birthright Environmental Movement (JaBBEM) organized the action on Saturday, April 4, near the entrance and exit of the North-South Highway in Mammee Bay, St Ann. The demonstration took place adjacent to a beachfront area that the group maintains should be freely accessible to the public. The matter remains before the courts as JaBBEM continues its legal push to secure access.
According to JaBBEM president Dr. Devon Taylor, the protest was strategically positioned to capture the attention of heavy holiday traffic moving through the corridor. Demonstrators held signs demanding beach access while encouraging passing motorists to signal their support by honking.
Taylor explained that the initiative was aimed at raising awareness among Jamaicans traveling to the north coast for festivities, many of whom may not fully grasp the ongoing limitations surrounding beach access. He emphasized that the issue affects citizens from all backgrounds, noting that while many enjoy coastal events, broader access rights remain restricted.
The protest also provided an opportunity for the organization to publicly respond to the Government’s recently introduced Beach Control Access Management Policy for 2026. JaBBEM has firmly rejected the proposal, arguing that it fails to adequately protect the public’s right to access the island’s beaches.
The demonstration underscores the growing tension between advocacy groups and policymakers, as the debate over beach access in Jamaica continues to unfold.
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